The Sydney Roosters have re-signed young playmaker Jackson Hastings as uncertainty swirls around halfback Mitchell Pearce's NRL future.
Hastings has signed a one-year contract extension which will keep him at the Bondi Junction club until the end of 2017.
After making his debut in the last round of the 2014 season, the 20-year-old son of club great Kevin Hastings enjoyed a breakout 2015 under coach Trent Robinson.
"I'm learning so much from Robbo and all the coaching staff and I'm so happy to stay with the Roosters and work towards building my career here," Hastings said.
He played off the bench for most of last year and performed admirably when asked to start during Pearce's injury-enforced absence during the last few rounds and finals.
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Pearce's future is under a cloud as the club and NRL investigates his lewd Australia Day video with the NSW Origin half facing the sack.
As Pearce undergoes rehab overseas for his alcohol issues, Hastings is expected to start the NRL season in the halves alongside fellow youngster Jayden Nikorima.
Hastings' re-signing comes shortly after the foundation club secured the services of representative back-rower Boyd Cordner until the end of the 2018 season.
"Jackson is an instinctive half and showed when called on last season why he is one of the game's most promising young players," Roosters recruitment manager Peter O'Sullivan said.
"There's no doubt that his maturity as a footballer is way beyond his years and we look forward to watching his continued development in the coming season."
